We didn’t actually travel straight from Perth to Albany. In between, we spent a few beautiful days exploring the Margaret River region. So technically, Albany was more like our next stop after Esperance – part of a much bigger road trip along Western Australia’s coast.
To be honest, we hadn’t planned to stay long in Albany. It was supposed to be just another place to pass through, maybe get a bit of rest before heading further. But wow, were we wrong. This region totally surprised us – in the best way. What we found was wild coastline, perfect beaches, and dramatic rock formations. Add to that a good mix of hikes, family-friendly spots, and great food – and it’s easy to see why Albany made it into our Top 10 favorite places in Australia. Seriously, we didn’t expect to fall in love with it like this.
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Quick Peek
For our busy travelers, here is the Fact-sheet about our 4-day Albany, WA travel itinerary.
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Travel Time
April
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Travel Mode
Road-trip stop (4 days)
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Our Must-Sees
Little Beach, Stirling Nationalpark
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Where to stay
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Plant-Based Food
Self-catering
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Mobility
Rental car
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Travel Budget
€1,800 / AUD3,200
without air fare
Don’t Skip These Stops: What to See in and Around Albany WA
Getting to Albany by car is part of the adventure. The drive from Perth to Albany takes around 5 hours, if done in one go. But we’d definitely recommend stretching it out – like we did – with a few days in the Margaret River region in between. From Perth, we headed south toward Margaret River, then continued east through Manjimup, Walpole, and finally followed the South Coast Highway straight into Albany. The roads were easy to drive, and the changing landscapes made the journey anything but boring.
Middleton Beach (Albany)
One place we kept coming back to was Middleton Beach. It was kind of our home beach during the trip – just a 3-minute walk from where we stayed, which made it perfect for quick morning strolls, sunset walks, or even last-minute beach runs with the kids. Having the ocean so close added a relaxed rhythm to our days.here’s a long boardwalk that winds along the cliffs toward Ellen Cove, with beautiful views of the coast – especially at sunrise and sunset.Albany itself is one of the oldest towns in Western Australia, with a small harbor, lots of history, and a laid-back coastal vibe. It’s big enough to have everything you need – supermarkets, cafes, playgrounds – but still quiet enough to feel like a proper getaway.
Stirling Range Nationalpark
Driving time from Albany: approx. 1.5 hours
We made this a day trip from Albany, and even though we knew we wouldn’t hike all the way up Bluff Knoll with the kids, it was still 100% worth it. Just driving through the area gave us that real Western Australia feeling – wide open skies, dramatic mountain ridges, and barely anyone else around. Stirling Range National Park is home to the only major mountain range in the southern half of WA. It’s known for Bluff Knoll, the highest peak in the region at 1,099 meters. For serious hikers, that trail is a must – steep, challenging, and often covered in mist. But even if you don’t make it to the summit, the views from the base and the surrounding roads are already stunning.
Goode Beach
If you’re looking for a quiet beach day near Albany, Goode Beach is the spot. It’s only about 20 minutes from the town centre, but it feels like a secret. The car park fits maybe five cars, which already tells you a lot – this beach isn’t packed with tourists. It’s more of a local favourite, and you can feel that calm, no-rush vibe right away. And yes, we’ll just say it: we had the entire beach to ourselves for a whole morning. No noise, no crowds, just soft sand, clear water, and the sound of the waves. The kids loved having all that space to run around, and we loved the peace. There’s no café or toilet block, so come prepared – but that’s also what makes it so relaxing. It’s the kind of place where you really switch off. If you’re spending a few days in Albany, definitely plan a half-day here. You might not want to leave.
Green Pools & Elephant Rock
Technically, this spot is in William Bay National Park, about 45 minutes west of Albany, but it’s one of those places you absolutely shouldn’t miss during your From Perth to Albany journey. The parking lot is shared for both Elephant Rocks and Greens Pool, so it’s super easy to visit both in one stop. For a relaxed beach day, we’d definitely recommend starting at Greens Pool. The water there is usually calm, shallow, and perfect for kids or just floating around. It’s one of the safest and most beautiful swimming spots in the region.
After some time in the water, we walked over to Elephant Rocks – just a few minutes away on foot. The name says it all: massive boulders that really do look like a herd of elephants standing in the sea. It’s not so much a beach for swimming (though you can), but more of a photography highlight. Honestly, the whole area is one big recommendation. Clean, easy to access, and incredibly scenic – this is exactly the kind of place that made us fall in love with Western Australia.
Sleeping in Albany – The Spot We Chose and Would Book Again
We found a super cozy apartment that was just right for us – walking distance to Middleton Beach, lots of space, and fully equipped with everything we needed as a family of four. There aren’t many hotels in Albany. You’ll mostly find holiday homes, small apartments, or B&Bs, which actually fits the laid-back vibe of the region really well. For our trip, this setup was perfect. We had a kitchen, laundry, and plenty of room to spread out – something that makes a big difference when traveling with kids. If you’re curious about where exactly we stayed, we’ve shared all the details in a separate blog post, including photos, tips, and the direct link to the apartment.
Why a Rental Car is a Must for Exploring Albany Region
If you’re planning a trip from Perth to Albany, there’s one thing we’d say right away: don’t do it without a car. Actually, this goes for almost all of Western Australia. Public transport is super limited outside the cities, and most of the highlights – beaches, lookouts, hikes – are completely off the main routes. Yes, there are direct flights from Perth to Albany. Rex Airlines operates a few connections each day, and the flight only takes about 1.5 hours. But here’s the thing: even if you fly, you’ll still need a car once you arrive. We’ve heard that Hilton Garden Inn by the harbor might offer shuttle services or help guests organize local transport – but honestly, we wouldn’t count on that alone.
We really love the freedom a rental car gives us – especially when traveling with kids. Sometimes we end up staying longer than planned at a beach or lookout. Other times, moods shift and we move on after five minutes. Having our own car means no pressure, no timetable, and no stress. Also worth knowing: you don’t need a 4WD for this route. All roads we used from Perth to Albany were well-maintained and easy to drive. Even remote spots like Misery Beach or the Porongurup trailhead were fine with a regular car.
Our Travel Costs From Perth to Albany – Real Budget Breakdown
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Accomodation
€200/night (excl. breakfast) x 4 nights = €800
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Food & Dining
Around €90 per day = €360
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Mobility
Rental Car (Toyota Prado) €120 per day = €480
Petrol & Parking €150 -
Activities
€10 Stirling National Park
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Total Spent
€1,800 / AUD3,200
Our Favorite Photo Spots in Albany, WA – Beaches, Cliffs & Lookouts
Choosing just a few favorites wasn’t easy. The region is packed with beaches, cliffs, and quiet lookout points – all with their own charm. But to keep it simple, here are the spots that left the biggest impression on us. These are the places where we actually paused, took our time, and captured a few moments we still love looking back on.
Albany Wind Farm
GPS Coordinates: -35.0450, 117.7616
If you’re chasing sunset views near Albany, this place is a must. The Albany Wind Farm (also known as Sandpatch) is not only photogenic, it’s also super peaceful. There’s a small parking area, and from there you can either head down to the beach or walk the clifftop trail that passes right under the giant turbines. The contrast between the massive windmills, rugged coastline, and soft evening light makes for amazing photos – especially around golden hour. We walked up the trail just before sunset and watched the sky turn pastel over the ocean.
Travel tip: If you’re into long exposure shots or moody landscape photos, bring your tripod. And even if you’re not, just bring a blanket – it’s a great spot to sit, take it all in, and let the day slow down.
Little Beach
GPS Coordinates: -34.9676, 118.2084
Honestly, this spot alone made the whole trip from Perth to Albany totally worth it. It’s about a 35-minute drive from Albany, and the last stretch takes you along Vaillant Road – just follow it all the way to the end. You’ll find a free parking lot there, and from that point, it’s just a short walk down to the beach. And what a beach. The water is that unreal turquoise color that looks like it belongs in the Maldives. The sand is soft and white, and the big granite rocks give the whole place a dramatic edge. It seriously feels like nature designed this spot just for photographers. We went early in the morning and had it mostly to ourselves – the light was just perfect.
Misery Beach
GPS Coordinates: -35.0957, 117.9334
Despite the name, Misery Beach is actually a really peaceful and beautiful spot – and one of the more unique beaches around Albany. It’s located not far from the old whaling station at Frenchman Bay and is easy to reach with a 2WD. There’s a free parking area nearby, and from there it’s just a short walk down to the beach. The path is easy, even with kids. What makes Misery Beach stand out is the dramatic cliff backdrop, soft sand, and usually calm water. On the day we visited, there were just a few other people – it definitely feels less touristy than some of the bigger spots.
Elephant Rock
GPS Coordinates: -35.0661, 117.3662
Elephant Rocks is one of those spots that looks just as impressive in real life as it does in photos. The massive granite boulders sitting in the shallow water really do resemble a group of elephants standing in the ocean – and it’s one of the most iconic views along the From Perth to Albany route. To get the best photo, park at the shared Greens Pool / Elephant Rocks car park. From there, follow the signs to Elephant Rocks – it’s a short, easy walk. For the classic shot, don’t go straight down to the beach. Instead, stop at the first elevated viewpoint just before the staircase that leads between the rocks. From there, you get a clear view over the entire formation, with the “elephants” lined up in the water. This is the angle most people are looking for – and yes, it’s perfect for both phone and drone shots.
Emu Point
GPS Coordinates: -34.9954, 117.9367
Emu Point is ideal for a quick stop, especially in the evening when the light gets soft and golden. While the beach itself is simple, the real highlight is across the water at Voyager Park. From that side, the coastline forms clean shapes and soft curves, making it one of the best spots in the area for drone photography. It’s not a place you need to spend hours at, but if you’ve got your drone with you and time for a short detour, this one’s worth it.
Your Questions Answered: Albany WA Region Travel FAQ
Absolutely. Margaret River is all about wine and surf, while Albany hits differently – rugged coastline, powerful nature, and way fewer crowds. We loved both, but Albany felt more raw and untouched.
We’d recommend at least 3 nights. That gives you time to explore the coast, squeeze in a hike, visit a beach or two, and still relax. We actually wished we had one extra day.
We were there in April – and honestly, it was a great time. The weather was still warm enough for beach days, but not too hot for hiking or exploring. Plus, the crowds had started to thin out after the summer holidays. That said, spring (Sept – Nov) is also a beautiful time to visit, especially if you’re into wildflowers and quieter vibes.
Not very. That’s part of the charm. Even in peak season, we found quiet beaches and almost-empty trails. It feels way less commercial than the northern WA coast.
Yes! We loved the walk up to the Granite Skywalk at Castle Rock (Porongurup NP). It’s a bit of a climb and includes ladders at the top, but even our kids managed parts of it with help.
Yes, but not all of them. Emu Point is perfect for young kids – calm, shallow water and picnic spots. Misery Beach was also gentle. We kept a close eye at Little Beach – waves can get strong.
In many areas, yes! – but not in national parks like Torndirrup, so always double-check. During our From Perth to Albany road trip, we found amazing drone spots around Misery Beach and Goode Beach, where the cliffs and water look unreal from above. Just make sure to check the CASA app for approved flying zones before launching.
Plenty! We saw kangaroos near Goode Beach and even dolphins off the coast. In the right season (June – October), you can also spot whales. Bring binoculars if you have space.
In Albany itself, everything’s fine. But once you go out to places like Two Peoples Bay or inland, fill up before and don’t expect full mobile coverage.
Definitely. You can easily do day trips to Denmark, Porongurup, and Frenchman Bay from here. We even made it to Stirling Range National Park for a full day of hiking – it’s about 1.5 hours each way, but totally doable if you start early.
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